how to tell when time to replace glowplugs

[mick883]

I live in PA and our winters are not that bad. The truck seems to start fine. When I turn the key, my "Wait to Start" light stays on for 8-12 seconds (depending on how cold it got that night). Once it is warm, it goes off much faster.

my friend has a 97 PSD and his light stays on only for 3-4 seconds.

Are my glowplugs starting to go?
Is 8-12 seconds normal for a 1999.5 ?
How much does it cost to have somone replace the them if needed?

[RadarRider]

Originally Posted by mick883

I live in PA and our winters are not that bad. The truck seems to start fine. When I turn the key, my "Wait to Start" light stays on for 8-12 seconds (depending on how cold it got that night). Once it is warm, it goes off much faster.

my friend has a 97 PSD and his light stays on only for 3-4 seconds.

Are my glowplugs starting to go?
Is 8-12 seconds normal for a 1999.5 ?
How much does it cost to have somone replace the them if needed?

Can you get your hands on a good scan tool? Most have a glow plug test you can perform & will give you a better idea.

[CoalRollinRoosterCruiser]

The wait to start light is just a dummy light more or less. It does not conincide with how long the glow plugs stay on.


And to test the glow plugs, you do not have to have a scan tool.

If you are having trouble starting, its more likely your glow plug relay is going out rather then your glow plugs, that is unless you've already changed the glow plug relay at some point.

Here's some info on how to check your GPR and GP's


Troubleshooting GPR & GP's


But it doesn't sound like your truck is having any problem's starting, so i dont think you have anything to worry about.

[NCHornet]

As John said the light means nothing!! The light will turn off and the GP's will stay on for up to 2 min, if needed. Follow the link he posted and you will find the problem if there is one!!

NCH